Research & Identify
DHR plays a critical role in research and identification related to historic preservation. DHR’s archives contain valuable information and resources to support the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic sites and resources. DHR’s identification programs provide a foundation for preservation efforts, while its collections help to inform researchers and guide those efforts, promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of Virginia’s unique history and culture.
Research
DHR plays an important role in contributing to statewide studies, surveys, and other documentation related to historic preservation. The agency maintains an extensive research archive to support the identification and evaluation of historic resources, helping to ensure that these resources are preserved and maintained for future generations. Through its research efforts, DHR also provides valuable information and resources to individuals, organizations, and local governments engaged in historic preservation efforts throughout Virginia.
- DHR performs and curates research on a range of disciplines, including archaeology, architecture, and history, to provide a comprehensive understanding of historic sites and resources in a statewide inventory.
- Research supports the DHR's programs, including the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, by providing the basis for their evaluation and designation.
- DHR provides technical assistance and guidance to individuals and organizations engaged in researching topics related to historic preservation and archaeology, helping to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Virginia's unique history and culture.
Identify
DHR’s identification efforts include a range of activities, such as architectural surveys, archaeological investigations, and historical research. The agency maintains a number of programs and databases to support these efforts. By identifying historic resources, DHR helps to raise awareness of their significance and value, and provides a framework for their preservation and protection. This includes working with property owners and local governments to develop plans for the conservation and maintenance of historic sites and structures.
- DHR's identification efforts help to inform land use decisions and planning processes at the local, regional, and state levels, promoting sustainable development and growth that is sensitive to historic and cultural resources.
- DHR promotes collaboration and partnerships among government agencies, private organizations, and individuals to build a network of stakeholders committed to the preservation and protection of Virginia's historic resources.
- DHR's identification programs provide opportunities for community engagement and involvement in historic preservation efforts, which helps to foster a sense of pride and ownership in Virginia's rich cultural heritage.
DHR Archives
DHR's Archives houses the agency’s collection of records of the historic resources documented in Virginia. These records can include descriptions of the resources; historical research; photographs, plans and other materials that document the history of Virginia and its people. The archives are open to the public by appointment Tuesdays through Thursdays, and it provides a great resource for anyone interested in a rich and diverse view of the state's past and the people who have shaped it.
Key Pages
Point of Contact
Quatro Hubbard
Archivist
quatro.hubbard@dhr.virginia.gov
804-482-6102
DHR has engaged over 450 students in 3 highway marker contests
DHR has registered more than 3,317 individual resources and 613 historic districts
DHR has erected 2,532 highway markers in every county and city across Virginia
